FANTASY / PLAYER NEWS
Pau Gasol: Swats Seven Shots
Update: Gasol turned in his best game of the season Monday, scoring 14 points with seven rebounds, five assists and seven blocked shots during the Grizzlies' win.
Analysis: He went 5-of-9 from the field, and fantasy owners have to be thrilled to see this type of line from one of the early season fantasy busts. The seven rejections were one short of his career-high.
Stromile Swift: Scores Season-High 24 Points
Update: Filling in for an injured Darko Milicic (thumb), Swift responded with a season-high 24 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Analysis: Swift went 10-of-14 from the field and added one steal and one block on the night as well. He's failed to meet expectations time and time again, but Swift is worth adding in all fantasy leagues while Milicic is sidelined. If he's given enough minutes, Swift does still possess quite a bit of upside.
Kevin Durant: Still Slumping
Update: Durant's shooting woes continued Monday when the rookie hit just 2-of-8 shots en route to an 11-point performance.
Analysis: He also committed five turnovers and didn't contribute much else on the stat sheet in 29 minutes of playing time. Stick with him. It's just some early growing pains.
Jeff Green: Grabs 14 Boards
Update: Green scored 11 points and hauled in a game-high 14 rebounds when the Grizzlies beat the Sonics Monday.
Analysis: Green hit just 4-of-12 shots from the field, but he played a career-high 30 minutes. Fantasy leaguers need to monitor his playing time, because Green could be worth adding very soon if Monday's performance is any indication.
Dwight Howard: Another Double-Double
Update: Howard scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds during the Magic's win over the Hornets Monday.
Analysis: He went 10-of-14 from the field and 4-of-7 from the line, also adding two assists, one steal and two blocks. At this point, it's only news when Howard doesn't record a double-double, as this effort marked his 10th such effort in 12 contests this season. Now, if only he could improve his touch from the free throw line.
Raymond Felton: Double-Double in Win
Update: Felton scored 24 points and handed out 10 assists during the Bobcats' victory Monday.
Analysis: Felton shot 7-of-12 from the floor and 9-of-10 from the charity stripe, also adding one 3-pointer, two steals and one block in 37 minutes of action. It was his second straight double-double, and Felton has really improved his shooting touch this season.
LaMarcus Aldridge: Foul Trouble Limits PT
Update: Aldridge was held to just seven points in 20 minutes of playing time Monday.
Analysis: As is the case with Aldridge from time-to-time, early foul trouble limited his time on the floor, and his production suffered as a result. The rest of his line wasn't much better, but look for a better performance when Portland plays New Jersey Wednesday.
Sebastian Telfair: Could Miss Wednesday's Game
Update: Telfair may miss Wednesday's game in order to be with his family after the death of his grandmother, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He's already left for the funeral, but it's not clear if he'll make it back by Wednesday. Marko Jaric will get more playing time as a result.
Gerald Wallace: Records Six Steals
Update: Wallace had 27 points with six steals and a block during the Bobcats' win Monday.
Analysis: Wallace went 10-of-19 from the field and 7-of-10 from the line in 41 minutes of action. It was the third straight game he tallied 27 points.
Randy Foye: Out Another Three Weeks
Update: Foye will miss at least three more weeks after tests showed the stress reaction in his left knee cap is not healing fast enough for him to return to the court, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Foye hasn't played this season after tests showed a stress reaction in a sore knee that sidelined him late in the preseason. Since he'll need to get back into game shape after he returns from the injury, he may not be back into a game until early next year.
Tracy McGrady: Returns to Practice
Update: McGrady (elbow) practiced on Monday and plans to play Wednesday against Dallas, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis: "I feel good," McGrady said Monday afternoon. "I'm glad to be back on the basketball court practicing. I wanted to play the last game, but the doctors kept me out and gave me the opportunity to have three days of rest." McGrady practiced with a protective sleeve and said he'd switch to one with a pad to protect some "tenderness."
Primoz Brezec: Starts Despite Eye Injury
Update: Brezec (eye) started and played 11 minutes Monday night in Charlotte's victory over Portland.
Analysis: Brezec had a swollen eye that required stitches after colliding with assistant coach Paul Mokeski -- yes, that Paul Mokeski -- during Sunday's practice. Brezec is competing for the award for this year's least-productive starter. His five rebounds Monday night was a season high.
Jermaine O'Neal: Strength in Knee Not Quite There Yet
Update: O'Neal's surgically repaired knee isn't quite back at full strength yet, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis: O'Neal can't quite get full lift on his jump shots or explode to the basket yet. "It's not quite there," he said on Saturday. "I've lost some strength in it because of the surgery. It's something I can regain. I'm playing on the run because you have to go through the bumps and bruises with the swelling. I'm trying to play through it and help the team."
Jamaal Magloire: Starting Again
Update: Magloire will start Monday night against the Jazz, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Magloire and rookie Sean Williams started the Nets' previous game in place of Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins, with coach Lawrence Frank indicating it was a moved designed to shake things up. Apparently, the change was not a one-time thing.
Sean Williams: Another Start Monday
Update: Williams will be in the starting lineup Monday night against the Jazz, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Nets coach Lawrence Frank is going with the same starting unit as in the previous game. Williams and Jamaal Magloire replace Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins.
Vince Carter: No Go on Monday
Update: Carter (ankle) will not play Monday night against the Jazz, the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Carter was riding an exercise bike as the team went out for its shootaround, so perhaps he'll be ready for Wednesday night's game in Portland.
Mike Conley: Sits Out Monday's Practice
Update: Conley (shoulder) did not participate in Monday morning's practice and is not expected to play Monday night against Seattle, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Conley suffered a strained right shoulder Saturday night against Dallas. Damon Stoudamire and Kyle Lowry will get all of the point guard minutes.
Darko Milicic: Game-Time Decision Monday, but Unlikely to Play
Update: Milicic (thumb) is being called a game-time decision Monday and didn't participate in Monday morning's practice, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Analysis: Milicic, who was wearing a soft cast Saturday when Memphis lost to Dallas, is unlikely to play if he couldn't practice. Stromile Swift and Hakim Warrick will receive increased playing time as a result.
Ben Wallace: Big Game Saturday, Minimal Performance Sunday
Update: Wallace finally looked like his old self in the Bulls' win over the Clippers Saturday, piling up 13 rebounds, nine points, six steals and three blocks. He said after the game that he was able to do so because he was on the floor in the fourth quarter, which wasn't the case the previous three games, the Arlington Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Wallace played 43 minutes in that contest but just 28 Sunday as the Bulls were outscored 61-32 in the second half. Until Chicago shows some consistency on both ends of the floor, look for Wallace's minutes to be just as inconsistent.
Luol Deng: Skiles Suprised at Deng's Pronouncement
Update: Deng's pronouncement that he's doubtful for the Denver game Tuesday due to his sore back came as news to coach Scott Skiles, the Arlington Daily Herald reports. "That's kind of a new thing in the NBA," Skiles said. "I don't know how he can possibly know that. You get treatment every day and see what happens."
Analysis: Deng was first injured Thursday against Phoenix, then aggravated the injury while playing 27 minutes Saturday forcing him out of Sunday's game. Despite Skiles' surprise, look for Deng to sit Tuesday and probably miss all week with his bad back.
Kirk Hinrich: Shooting Slump Continues
Update: Hinrich (sprained ligament in a knuckle on his non-shooting hand), who seemed to be poised to break out of his shooting slump after going 6-for-13 from the floor Thursday against Phoenix, missed six of his first seven shots and finished 3-for-11 from the floor in the Bulls' 106-78 loss to the Lakers Sunday.
Analysis: Hinrich is just 7-for-25 his last two games and is shooting 30.9 percent for the year. It's possible that the injury is affecting him, but even with that, there appears to be no real reason for him slumping this badly.
Quincy Douby: Sitting More Than Playing
Update: Douby, who appears healthy, has played just 43 minutes in the past five games, including a DNP against Detroit on Sunday.
Analysis: The 6-foot-3 point guard is a project for the Kings. His playing time has rapidly diminished with the success of Beno Udrih, who was recently signed as a free agent. Douby's offensive skills are suited for a shooting guard, but he lacks the size and strength to compete against bigger players at that position. Additionally, swingman Francisco Garcia is capable of handling the point duties when Udrih is resting. The majority of Douby's minutes should come in garbage time as a result.
Gilbert Arenas: Sits Out Practice Monday
Update: Arenas (knee) sat out practice Monday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: He is sitting out practice Monday to give him some rest in order to be ready for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, which he seems on track to play. The Wizards also play Wednesday, and Arenas has struggled on the second game of back-to-backs, but hopefully this day off helps him.
Primoz Brezec: Eye Nearly Swollen Shut
Update: Brezec is questionable for Monday's game after a collision during Sunday's practice that required four stitches near his left eye, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent said Ryan Hollins would get the start if Brezec can't go.
Chris Bosh: Double-Double Despite Struggles
Update: Bosh managed a double-double in Sunday's loss to the Warriors with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Analysis: He also had two blocks, but shot just 4-for-12 from the field and an uncharacteristic 3-for-6 from the free throw line, while committing six turnovers. Bosh's numbers are way down so far, as he's shooting just .402 from the field with 16.2 PPG and 6.9 RPG. There should be much better times ahead once Bosh rounds into shape, but if his current owner is getting frustrated it's worth checking to see if you can pick him up at a bit of a discount.
Jameer Nelson: Finds Some Consistency
Update: Nelson had 18 points and six assists in Orlando's victory over Boston on Sunday night.
Analysis: Nelson was 6-of-6 from the free throw line and only had three turnovers in the game. He has had at least 15 points and six assists in each of his last three games and hasn't turned it over more than three times in any of those games. Nelson becomes a very good fantasy player if he can put up numbers like this on a nightly basis.
Dwight Howard: Struggling from Free Throw Line
Update: Howard made seven of his nine shots and had 24 points as the Magic handed the Celtics their first loss of the season on Sunday.
Analysis: Howard also had three steals and three blocks but only had six rebounds in the game, his lowest total of the season. He also shot a dreadful 10-for-20 from the free throw line. Howard has had some good nights from the free throw line, but with him being so dominant in the post and so poor at the charity stripe, teams may be better off employing the "hack-a-Shaq" method.
Rashard Lewis: Earning his Money
Update: Lewis scored 22 points on 6-of-11 shooting as the Magic defeated the Celtics on Sunday night.
Analysis: Lewis made two three-pointers and also hit 8-of-10 free throws in the game but only had two rebounds and three assists. Regardless, Lewis has provided the Magic the consistent scorer they often lacked last season.
Hedo Turkoglu: Numbers Evening Out
Update: Turkoglu had 16 points and six rebounds as the Magic handed the Celtics their first loss of the season on Sunday night.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should expect Turkoglu's season statistics to resemble his stats from the last five games (13.8 ppg, 5 rpg) rather than those he put up during the first six games of the season (20.8 ppg, 6.7 ppg.)
Darrell Armstrong: Still Limping
Update: Armstrong (deep thigh bruise) was seen limping slowly through the hallways, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Armstrong was expected to miss up to four weeks and doesn't look like he will be back anytime soon.
Vince Carter: Will Make Road Trip
Update: Vince Carter will travel with the team on its west coast road trip, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis: Nets coach Lawrence Frank wouldn't indicate exactly when Carter would return, but the fact he is making the trip indicates he may be getting closer. "Whenever he's ready to play he's going to be out there," Frank said, "but he's not ready to play."
Jamaal Magloire: Started against Heat
Update: Magloire started in place of Jason Collins, scoring five points and grabbing seven rebounds. He had six turnovers.
Analysis: This doesn't appear to be a permanent move, as Nets coach Lawrence Frank just wanted to shake up his lineup a bit, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. "With Magloire, it's an opportunity to see how he does in a different format. Is he more effective in this role as compared to the role coming off the bench? Only time will tell," Frank said.
Ira Newble: Newble Playing New Position at Power Forward
Update: Playing huge minutes at the power forward spot, Newble gets Coach Mike Browns praise, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Newble, who is finally getting some deserved playing time is playing crucial minutes for the Cavaliers. Playing power forward, he will have an advantage with his perimeter shot. Newble is also an underrated rebounder. With Donyell Marshall's injury, and the continuation of Anderson Varejao's holdout, you should expect Newble's rebound numbers to go up from his 3.5 rpg average.
John Salmons: Losing Shots
Update: Salmons played just 19 minutes and scored 6 points (2-of-4 FG) with two turnovers in Sacramento's win over Detroit on Sunday.
Analysis: Since Ron Artest's return from suspension, Salmons has managed only 19 shots in three games. Reserve him in all fantasy leagues until his role on the team is clearly defined. His playing time may fluctuate wildly most of the season.
Andres Nocioni: Solid Since Move Into Starting Lineup
Update: Nocioni has sparked the Bulls since being inserted into the starting lineup three games ago, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Nocioni had 14 on Sunday against the Lakers after averaging 19.5 points in his first two starts. He also aggravated the Clippers on Saturday to the point that Nocioni was on the receiving end of two flagrant fouls. Nocioni's physical style of play wrankled opponents his first three years in the league, and especially now that he is starting and has his confidence back, his sandpaper style of play has made an appearance. Look for his play to continue to improve as he sees more minutes.
Adrian Griffin: Started in Place of Luol Deng Sunday
Update: Coach Scott Skiles replaced the injured Luol Deng with Griffin on Sunday against the Lakers, bypassing Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Skiles suggested he may start to increase playing time for his veteran players as the team tries to find a way out of the early season malaise. That being said, Griffin won't play or produce enough to warrant a spot on your team.
Brad Miller: Needs His Groove Back
Update: Miller had 15 points (3-of-11 FG, 9-of-11 FT), nine rebounds and four assists in Sacramento's win over Detroit on Sunday.
Analysis: His outside shot isn't falling this season, so Miller is trying to help the Kings in other ways. Look for him to continue shooting and to find his rhythm in the process. The center is averaging 35.8 minutes, 12.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 38.9% from the floor.
Kobe Bryant: Scores 18 Against Bulls
Update: Bryant had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals in the Lakers' 106-78 win over the Bulls on Sunday.
Analysis: Bryant deferred to his teammates for much of the second half, as the blowout was in hand. Expect Bryant's numbers to increase against better competition.
Lamar Odom: Has Quiet Game Against Bulls
Update: Odom had nine points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the Lakers' 106-78 win over the Bulls on Sunday.
Analysis: Odom played 35 minutes on Sunday, but allowed the team's younger players to pour in most of the garbage time points. Expect his numbers to drastically increase against better competition.
Jordan Farmar: Fills Up Stat Sheet Against Bulls
Update: Farmar had an outstanding game in Sunday's 106-78 win over the Bulls, scoring 14 with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Analysis: Farmar played more minutes than starter Derek Fisher on Sunday, albeit in a blowout win. However, if Farmar's inspired play keeps up, he may wrangle the starting role from Fisher.
Kwame Brown: X-Rays Negative
Update: X-Rays on Brown's sprained left knee and ankle were negative, though he is expected to miss at least the next three games, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Brown's absence will give Andrew Bynum the starter's minutes that he's deserved this season.
Andrew Bynum: Posts Double-Double Against Bulls
Update: Bynum had 14 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers' 106-78 win over the Bulls on Sunday.
Analysis: Bynum should see increased minutes over the next few games, as starting center Kwame Brown is expected to miss at least three games with knee and ankle sprains.
Rajon Rondo: Scores 18 Against Magic
Update: Rondo had 18 points, five rebounds and three assists in the C's 104-102 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Rondo's 18 points came on blistering 8-9 shooting, so expect Rondo's scoring numbers to decrease in coming games.
Ray Allen: Scores 19 Against Magic
Update: Allen had 19 points and five rebounds in the Celtics' 104-102 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Despite claims from coaches that Allen would play less, Allen saw 39 minutes of playing time on Sunday. These heavy minutes may soon take their toll on the 32-year-old guard.
Kevin Garnett: Scores 14 in Loss to Magic
Update: Garnett had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the Celtics' 104-102 loss to the Magic on Sunday.
Analysis: Sunday was not Garnett's best game, as he did not get to the foul line once, and recorded only one assist and no steals. Expect his numbers to improve across the board in coming games.
Kosta Perovic: Sent to D-League
Update: The Warriors sent Perovic to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League, Inside Bay Area reports.
Analysis: This move was expected. Perovic had been inactive for five of the Warriors' seven regular-season games. "He's going to go down there and play some minutes," Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said. "I thought he was making pretty good progress."
Ronny Turiaf: Stis Out Sunday
Update: Turiaf (ankle) missed Sunday night's victory over Chicago.
Analysis: Turiaf has missed two straight games with the injury. For the second consecutive game, Brian Cook started at power forward for the Lakers.
Kwame Brown: Left Knee and Ankle Injuries
Update: Brown left Sunday night's victory over Chicago early in the first quarter with sprains of his left knee and left ankle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: X-rays were negative and it will be a day or two before we have a prognosis. The Lakers are off Monday before beginning a three-game road trip Tuesday in Indiana.
Antonio McDyess: Misses Third Straight Game
Update: McDyess (shoulder) sat out Sunday night's loss to Sacramento.
Analysis: This was the third consecutive game he's missed. Jason Maxiell (five points, two rebounds, 16 minutes) started at center for Detroit.
Chauncey Billups: Returns to Action Sunday
Update: Billups returned to action Sunday after missing two consecutive games with a knee injury.
Analysis: Billups was back in the starting lineup for Detroit and had 14 points (5-of-14, two 3-pointers) and nine assists in 29 minutes in the Pistons' loss to Sacramento.
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